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Welsh Rugby Union CEO Roger Lewis has issued a scathing attack on the "vultures" who are recruiting Wales' top players.

Last Updated: 06/12/12 7:29pm

WRU concerned by exodus of players from Welsh rugby like Mike Phillips (pictured)

Lewis' anger follows Wales flanker Dan Lydiate's announcement that he would be leaving the Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of this season with his likely destination being a Top 14 club.

Lydiate will shadow fellow Wales internationals Mike Phillips, James Hook, Lee Byrne, Luke Charteris and Huw Bennett in moving to France, and in all likelihood centre Jamie Roberts who is set to join Racing Metro.

Lewis said Welsh rugby was under attack, with big-name players being picked off "like pieces of meat."